Hillel Academy’s fifth grade presents Hamilton on Wed., June 1, 2016, at 8:15 a.m. at Congregation Beth Am. The hour and a half-long show is closely based on the Broadway musical and is comprised of a mix of rapping and singing. Hamilton became a very important part of the fifth grade social studies curriculum this year.
Sounds of the Beatles, Destiny’s Child and a plethora of hip hop artists are incorporated into the portrayal of the “ultimate embodiment of hip hop – Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton.” The Hillel Academy rendition was cut to 27 songs chosen by students who determined which were most valuable for both historical relevance and audience appeal.
Why Hamilton?
The inspiration for the fifth grade’s version of Hamilton, was student Zev Huneycutt’s personal interest and passion, and his fifth grade history project entitled: “Figures in the American Revolution.” He wrote biographies of Alexander Hamilton, Marquis DeLafayette, John Laurens, George Washington, John Adams, Hercules Mulligan, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and John Jay. He focused on these men because he had been listening to Hamilton.
Said fifth grader Zev Huneycutt, “I know a ton of info about the revolution now and about the years preceding and succeeding the revolution. The information is accurate – the musical was based on Ron Chernow’s 2004 biography of Alexander Hamilton. Chernow worked with the musical’s writer Lin-Manuel Miranda and he was consulted for every song.”
Classmate Asher Gonzalez saw Hamilton and met the cast. The two boys were instrumental in recruiting many of their classmates to join them in learning the musical’s story and its history. Zev’s sister, third grader Yael, shares his interest and is the only student participating who is not in the fifth grade class.
Fifth grade teacher Stephanie Brown said, “ One day after school, Zev, Asher and Yael shared with me a song they had learned together, and I knew their shared passion was remarkable, inspiring and worth every ounce of our free time. The hip hop music of Hamilton hooked students in such a powerful and ingenious way.”
Zev and Asher are not only the two leads (Zev as Hamilton and Asher as Aaron Burr), they are the student directors. Zev orchestrated ordering the costumes which each student actor paid for. Minimal props will be used during the show, primarily toy weapons and papers purchased by the Huneycutt family when they visited Hamilton’s gravesite in New York. Zev also helped a classmate overcome stage fright so that he could be in the show. Two student choreographers blocked the show for the ensemble.
Ms. Brown continued, “Our student directors and our ensemble’s creative energy is impressive. This musical has even greater potential impact for students in years to come as more and more people become familiar with its themes and relevance for adolescents.”
Mission Statement
Hillel Academy’s mission is to provide a superior education that encourages a love of learning and a strong Jewish identity. To that end, Hillel students are encouraged to attain the highest possible level of personal achievement.
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Hillel Academy offers morning bus service from South Tampa and North Pinellas/Hillsborough counties with bus stops in Palm Harbor, Oldsmar and Westchase.
Hillel Academy is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) and the Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC) and is a member of the Jewish Community Day School Network and the National Association of Independent Schools. The school is recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education as a Blue Ribbon School.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jody Sherman
Cell: (727) 421-7733
SOURCE: Hillel Academy
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